Multiple antennas using one coax feed

[galligan122]

Hey guys, I currently have a DPD productions 800 MHZ antenna going to a SDS 200 scanner that I do nearly all my scanning on. I scan mostly 800 MHZ P25, some 450-470 MHZ analog, NXDN and DMR, as well as some150-160 MHZ analog. I also have a 996P2 scanner, a Pro-106 and a couple of older uniden analog scanners. Im aware of the limitations of each scanner.

I plan to get two more antennas, one for the 450-470 range and one for the 150-160 range and eventually running 3 scanners, one for each range with the designated antenna feeding the signal. I am seeking advice on running all new coax from each antenna to a scanner, or using a tri-plexer (sorry if it’s not the right term) to save money on cable cost vs the signal loss id get. Thank your for your input.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Hey guys, I currently have a DPD productions 800 MHZ antenna going to a SDS 200 scanner that I do nearly all my scanning on. I scan mostly 800 MHZ P25, some 450-470 MHZ analog, NXDN and DMR, as well as some150-160 MHZ analog. I also have a 996P2 scanner, a Pro-106 and a couple of older uniden analog scanners. Im aware of the limitations of each scanner.

I plan to get two more antennas, one for the 450-470 range and one for the 150-160 range and eventually running 3 scanners, one for each range with the designated antenna feeding the signal. I am seeking advice on running all new coax from each antenna to a scanner, or using a tri-plexer (sorry if it’s not the right term) to save money on cable cost vs the signal loss id get. Thank your for your input.

You are aware there is an Antenna and Associated Hardware thread where our resident antenna experts just wait for questions like this, posting here just cheats them out of the chance to respond to you.

Antennas and Associated Hardware

Sub-forums for discussing various hardware for scanners and receivers such as antennas, filters, splitter/multicouplers and towers.

forums.radioreference.com

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Adding to above, you'd be best advised to click the Report link at the bottom of your posting and ask for this thread to be moved to the forum @RaleighGuy mentioned. Cross posting is frowned upon here

 

[galligan122]

Thank you guys I will do just that

 

[mmckenna]

Hey guys, I currently have a DPD productions 800 MHZ antenna going to a SDS 200 scanner that I do nearly all my scanning on. I scan mostly 800 MHZ P25, some 450-470 MHZ analog, NXDN and DMR, as well as some150-160 MHZ analog. I also have a 996P2 scanner, a Pro-106 and a couple of older uniden analog scanners. Im aware of the limitations of each scanner.

I plan to get two more antennas, one for the 450-470 range and one for the 150-160 range and eventually running 3 scanners, one for each range with the designated antenna feeding the signal. I am seeking advice on running all new coax from each antenna to a scanner, or using a tri-plexer (sorry if it’s not the right term) to save money on cable cost vs the signal loss id get. Thank your for your input.

Ideal solution is to run dedicated coaxial cable from each antenna to the dedicated radio.
Use the correct type of cable for the length, your budget and how much loss you are willing to tolerate. Add in the costs of 6 connectors, 3 lightning protection device, plus supplies for grounding and waterproofing the connectors.

Or, you a pair of triplexers, or a triplexer and an amplified distribution amp. That will let you run a short coax from each antenna to the triplexer on the mast and one feedline down to where your radios are.
Then you can either split them out again using another triplexer, or just distribute the composite signal to all 3 radios so you can do whatever you want.
Benefit of that is it'll save you some coaxial cable and a lightning protection device.
Drawback is that you'll need to make sure the triplexer is designed to be mounted outside,. You'll need to waterproof all those connections, and you'll have to add the cost of another triplexer inside or a distribution amp.